by Alaska J. Turaray
The Philippines, an archipelago with a rich biodiversity, is especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Among its regions, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) stands out for its unique geography as the country’s only landlocked area. CAR’s lush mountainous landscape, coupled with its cool climate, has earned it the reputation as a top tourist destination. This natural charm has also contributed to the region’s high Human Development Index (HDI), with Benguet leading the charge as one of the top-ranked provinces, according to the 2023 Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data.
Aerial view of forest fires in Itogon.
However, the natural beauty and environmental health of the region are now under serious threat due to a rising number of forest fires. Predominantly occurring during the dry season (January to May), these fires have caused significant damage, burning through reforestation projects and destabilizing the region’s climate resilience. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-CAR has noted an alarming increase in the number of hectares affected by fires. In just the first half of 2024, 13,269.21 hectares were destroyed, a drastic rise from the 3,257.53 hectares recorded in 2020. The economic cost has reached ₱280.7 million, but the ecological and health implications are far greater.
Helibucket Operations in Action: Philippine air assets deploy helibucket systems to combat forest fires in the challenging terrain of the Cordilleras. These operations use water buckets carried by helicopters to collect water from nearby sources and release it over fires, underscoring the vital role of aerial support in forest fire management.
The issue of forest fires in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is not only a pressing environmental concern but also a significant barrier to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) . Human-induced activities, such as improper disposal of cigarette butts, uncontrolled land clearing, and grass burning for animal feed, exacerbate the frequency and severity of these fires, threatening both ecosystems and local communities. The impact of forest fires extends beyond the destruction of trees; they also destabilize mountain terrains, leading to landslides, siltation, and flash floods, which worsen the already fragile ecosystems. Additionally, these fires result in the loss of flora and fauna, disrupting habitats and diminishing biodiversity. The destruction of plant life not only affects the species that rely on these environments for survival but also compromises ecosystem services that are vital for human well-being, such as clean air and water filtration (United Nations, 2023; PEFC, 2023).
The loss of biodiversity due to forest fires can have cascading effects on the ecosystem. For instance, as native species decline, invasive species may take their place, further disrupting ecological balance. The degradation of habitats leads to a decrease in wildlife populations, which can affect food chains and ecosystem resilience. Moreover, the smoke from forest fires contributes to air pollution, posing health risks to local communities and exacerbating respiratory conditions (United Nations, 2023; Cambridge University Press, 2023).
To mitigate these impacts, it is crucial to implement sustainable land management practices that prioritize fire prevention and restoration of affected areas. This includes promoting community awareness about the causes of forest fires and encouraging responsible behaviors that reduce fire risks. Additionally, integrating fire management strategies into broader climate adaptation plans can enhance resilience against future climate-related hazards (PEFC, 2023; Climate Seed, 2023).
The Cordilleras, often called the “Watershed Cradle of the North,” serves as a crucial water source for many regions. Forest fires affect river systems, and irrigation for agricultural lands, contributing to irregular weather patterns that diminish the cool, clean air that once defined the region. Landslides, once rare, now frequently disrupt travel and pose risks to communities, while water shortages are becoming more pronounced during the dry season.
In response to this growing crisis, the DENR-CAR, in collaboration with the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC), has initiated several preventive and suppressive measures. Among these is the employment of helibucket operations, which use government air assets to extinguish fires in hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, the involvement of local communities, private sector partners, and international organizations like the United States Forest Service has bolstered the region’s firefighting capabilities.
By equipping forest rangers with enhanced skills and training, local responders are now better prepared to combat fires. However, efforts to prevent these disasters from happening in the first place must also be scaled up. Educational campaigns promoting fire prevention, community-led monitoring, and stricter regulations against irresponsible land clearing could significantly reduce the frequency of forest fires.
A US Forest Service (USFS) member delivers a field lecture to DENR-CAR and Bureau of Fire Protection-CAR fire suppressors, enhancing skills in combating forest fires across the Cordillera region.
If the people of CAR are to continue enjoying the benefits of their region’s natural beauty and environmental health, they must act now. Preventing forest fires not only protects the environment but also strengthens CAR’s resilience to climate change. Through collective efforts, the Cordilleras can become a model for sustainable forest management and climate action. In conclusion, addressing forest fire prevention in CAR is critical for achieving climate resilience and protecting biodiversity. By integrating multiple SDGs—particularly Climate Action (SDG 13) and Life on Land (SDG 15), Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)—into comprehensive fire management strategies, stakeholders can work towards a more sustainable future for both the environment and local communities.
Forging Partnerships for Fire-Safe Benguet Forests. DENR-CAR Regional Executive Director Engr. Paquito Moreno, Jr. (third from left) is joined by Benguet Provincial ENR Officer Edgardo S. Flor (first from left) and Mines and Geosciences-CAR Regional Director Fay W. Apil (second from left) to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with key representatives from mining companies: Engr. Valeriano Bongalos Jr. of Benguet Corporation, Engr. Ricardo Dolipas II of Philex Mining Corporation, and Engr. Artemio Anongos of Lepanto Consolidated Mining Corporation, alongside partners from Itogon-Suyoc Resource Incorporated (ISRI). This partnership seeks to bolster preventive measures and strengthen forest fire suppression initiatives, including equipping fire suppression teams with essential tools and personal protective equipment.
Amidst the scorched trees, an expert shares vital knowledge with forest protectors, empowering them to safeguard and conserve the region’s forests from future flames.
#CareForCreation
#IntegrityOfCreation
#FireResilienceCordilleras
#ProtectCARForests
#ClimateActionPH
#SustainableLandManagement
#PreventForestFires
References:
Cambridge University Press. (2023). SDG 13: Climate Action – Impacts on Forests and People. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/sustainable-development-goals-their-impacts-on-forests-and-people/sdg-13-climate-action-impacts-on-forests-and-people/ 407706C117FA5DBA2773CAF3796001B7
Climate Seed. (2023). Ifm sdgs. https://climateseed.com/blog/ifm-sdgs .
MacCarthy, J., Richter, J., Tyukavina, S., Weisse, M., & Harris, N. (2024, August 13). The latest data confirms: Forest fires are getting worse. Global Forest Watch. https://www.globalforestwatch.org/
PEFC. (2023). SDG 13: Climate action – Sustainable Development Goals. https://pefc.org/what-we-do/sustainable-development-goals/sdg-13-climate-action.
United Nations. (2023). Wildfires increase integrated strategies forests climate and sustainability are ever more urgent. https://www.un.org/en/un-chronicle/wildfires-increase-integrated-strategies-forests-climate-and-sustainability-are-ever-0
About the Author:
Alaska J. Turaray is an employee of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Cordillera Administrative Region, currently assigned to the Enforcement Division. He views nature as God’s masterpiece and believes it is our duty to cherish it. In addition, he is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Administration and Supervision at Baguio Central University.
About the Editor:
Genevieve B. Kupang is the Dean of the Graduate School and International Relations Officer at Baguio Central University in Baguio City. She serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Cordillera Association of International Relations Officers (CAIRO) and the World University Network of Innovation Leaders (WUNI-L). She is also the Chair of the Special Interest Groups (SIG) and Peace Education Coordinator for the World Council for Curriculum and Instruction (WCCI).